25th anniversary of PSNI a ‘moment to look back with great pride’

The 25th anniversary of the Police Service of Northern Ireland is a moment to look back with great pride, the chief constable has said.

Jon Boutcher was speaking ahead of a two-day conference in Belfast to mark the milestone anniversary of the policing arrangements in the region.

More than 160 delegates, including academics, leaders within policing and policing oversight as well as the wider criminal justice system, will reflect and look to the future.

The Foundations And Future: Policing 2026 And Beyond Conference is to consider progress made over the last 25 years, and look to future challenges.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was set up in 2001 incorporating the Royal Ulster Constabulary following the landmark Belfast/Good Friday Agreement peace deal in 1998.

Mr Boutcher said the PSNI’s first 25 years has not been without challenge, but is a moment to look back with great pride.

“Since 2001, our officers and staff in the PSNI have worked tirelessly to keep people safe, protect the vulnerable and build confidence in policing across Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Their commitment, often in very difficult and demanding circumstances, has shaped the service we are today.

“The 25-year journey has not been without challenge.

“Policing Northern Ireland has continued to evolve alongside the society we serve, responding to changing expectations, new forms of crime and the ever-growing complexity of the threats facing our communities.

“Throughout that journey which is building on the foundations laid by our colleagues in the RUC George Cross, the dedication and professionalism of our police officers and police staff has remained at the heart of everything we do.”

He added: “This significant anniversary is therefore both a moment to look back with great pride and an opportunity to look forward with purpose.

“The challenges ahead will require us to remain adaptable, innovative and open to new ways of working, while never losing sight of the fundamental principles of policing by consent, fairness and respect.”

Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Brendan Mullan said new demands, changing crime and demographics, along with ever evolving technology will bring change for all.

He said the conference is a “valuable forum for thoughtful discussion, shared learning and constructure challenge so that we can explore how policing and policing oversight can continue to strengthen public confidence and support better outcomes for the communities”.

The conference, organised by the PSNI and Policing Board, is in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said the conference will create value opportunities for academics, practitioners, policy makers and community to learn from one another.

“Whether this is understanding the social factors that can aid crime prevention and improved rehabilitation outcomes or addressing emerging challenges such as technological change, universities can help shape evidence-based approaches that support safer communities,” he said.

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, added: “This conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past quarter century and to consider the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“We look forward to the discussions that will support the continued development of policing in the years to come.”